Discerning the Vocation of Deacon

First, speak with your family, perhaps some close and trusted friends and, of course, your pastor about your sense of call.  Then, please let us know by submitting the Diaconate Inquiry Form.  This signals your interest in discerning a vocation to the diaconate, establishes you as an Inquirer, and places you on the Inquirer’s mailing list. I will contact you and we can begin to dialogue about your particular circumstances and situation.

A solid catechetical foundation is an integral part of diaconal formation. Completion of the combined Adult Faith Formation/Parish Leadership program offered by the Kino Institute of the Diocese of Phoenix is required prior to entering the formation program. Applicants can be accepted after completing the first year of the Kino program if they have strong pastoral support. A pastor will need to indicate in his letter of support that he feels his applicant is capable of finishing Kino while in the Spirituality Year of formation.

When the Bishop starts a new Formation Cohort, you (and your wife, if married) will be invited to attend an Inquiry Meeting to learn more about the discernment process and formation program. If you have completed at least the first year of the Kino program, still feel called, and meet the general criteria for deacon applicants, you will be interviewed and given an application packet.  Applications are ordinarily issued and processed only between March 1 and July 31 of each odd numbered year. Submission of an application indicates your desire to enter the Spirituality Year which is a year of formal prayer and spiritual discernment.

Steps in the application process

  1. Discuss your vocation with your family and friends
  2. Make an appointment with your pastor to discuss your vocation. When it is time to apply, he will need to write a letter to the Bishop endorsing you as a worthy applicant
  3. Contact the Diaconate Office to be placed on the mailing list by completing the Diaconate Inquiry Form
  4. Take the Adult Faith Formation and Parish Leadership program at Kino Institute
  5. Attend Inquiry Nights offered by the Office of the Diaconate
  6. Request a home interview and submit an application (March 1—July 31 odd years only). Once your application is accepted you will:
    • Join a Discernment Circle
    • Begin a Spirituality Year of prayer and reading
    • Attend mandatory formation classes (typically 1 meeting per month)
    • Begin the Practicum of Personal Prayer and Discernment
  7. The Spirituality Year is a time of prayer, personal reflection and discernment. During this year your application will be reviewed, and you will be encouraged to “test” your vocation.
  8. If, at the end of the Spirituality Year you, your wife (if married), your Discernment Circle Mentor, your Pastor, and the Formation Team still senses that you are called to continue discerning, you will be invited to progress to Aspirancy.